Tory hits out after documentary shows claimants spending cash on cigarettes, new tattoos and Sky TV

An MP from the district has spoken out after a documentary detailing life on benefits showed claimants smoking “copious amounts of cigarettes” and watching Sky programmes on widescreen televisions.

Shipley MP Philip Davies pointed out that many of his hard-working constituents could not afford such luxuries. And the Conservative MP said benefits were clearly “too generous” as it appeared the claimants could also afford new tattoos.

Last week saw the first episode of Channel 4’s controversial documentary Benefit Street aired. It showed residents on James Turner Street in Birmingham discussing their dependence on benefits as well as featuring shoplifting sprees and fraud. Channel Five recently aired a similar programme called On Benefits and Proud.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Davies said: “Has the Secretary of State managed to watch Benefits Street and On Benefits and Proud?

“If so, has he, like me, been struck by the number of people on there that manage to combine complaining about welfare reforms whilst being able to buy copious amounts of cigarettes, have lots of tattoos done and watch Sky TV on the obligatory widescreen television?

“Does the Secretary of State understand the concerns and irritation of many people who go out to work every day, pay their taxes and who cannot afford those kind of luxuries themselves?”

Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: “Many people are shocked by what they see but the reality is that is why the public back our welfare reform package to get more people back to work to end these abuses.”

After the debate, Bradford West MP George Galloway said: “It would be nice for Channel 4 to make a programme about renegade bankers rather than persecuting those on the margins.

“It’s well known that benefit fraud is tiny in comparison with that of the bankers. One expects this from Iain Duncan Smith and Philip Davies – the usual suspects.”

The show has been billed by the programme-makers as “one of Britain's most benefit-dependent streets”.

Bradford East MP David Ward MP said: “I think Philip is wrong to use lazy examples from sensationalised TV and compare it with most people who struggle to live off benefits.

“Whilst there will be some that use and abuse the benefits system, most people just want to get a job and provide for their family. Such comparisons are unhelpful and unwanted by my party.”

e-mail: newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk

Comments (33)

"After the debate, Bradford West MP George Galloway said: “It would be nice for Channel 4 to make a programme about renegade bankers rather than persecuting those on the margins."
While that should equally be tightened up on, he neglects to mention that the top 1% of earners are collectively paying 30% of all the income tax collected.
That shouldn't detract from any wrongdoing at the lower end though. These sort of documentaries can be manipulated to give a certain impression, but if some on benefits can really afford the things mentioned, they are clearly over funded.

"After the debate, Bradford West MP George Galloway said: “It would be nice for Channel 4 to make a programme about renegade bankers rather than persecuting those on the margins."
While that should equally be tightened up on, he neglects to mention that the top 1% of earners are collectively paying 30% of all the income tax collected.
That shouldn't detract from any wrongdoing at the lower end though. These sort of documentaries can be manipulated to give a certain impression, but if some on benefits can really afford the things mentioned, they are clearly over funded.Albion.

every person on benefits as sky/virgin tv, large tv, xbox etc.
FACT!
some people i know get new games before i can afford them and i work!
time to bring back food stamps, etc.
make them spend it on what they should.
i see them in the post office withdrawing money then buying scratchcards and lottery, what a joke.

every person on benefits as sky/virgin tv, large tv, xbox etc.
FACT!
some people i know get new games before i can afford them and i work!
time to bring back food stamps, etc.
make them spend it on what they should.
i see them in the post office withdrawing money then buying scratchcards and lottery, what a joke.tinytoonster

I have been fortunate by staying employed since leaving school on the early 80's, I have paid my share of income tax and NI contributions. I loathe the fact that my contributions are squandered year on year to fill the pockets and support the lavish lifestyles of those MP's that represent me, I feel this is the Pan calling the Pot here Mr Davies!!! You're just another sponger.

I have been fortunate by staying employed since leaving school on the early 80's, I have paid my share of income tax and NI contributions. I loathe the fact that my contributions are squandered year on year to fill the pockets and support the lavish lifestyles of those MP's that represent me, I feel this is the Pan calling the Pot here Mr Davies!!! You're just another sponger.freespeech

Does Davies take all his evidence of the state of the UK from edited reality TV documentaries? What's he going to be asking in parliament next?

-Has the Business Secretary being watching The Apprentice? If so we need to send all people in their 20s back to business school.

-Has the Education Secretary watched Geordie Shore? We should send everyone in Newcastle back to school.

-Has the Housing Minister been watching Grand Designs? We should be making everyone transform a cinema/shop/water tower into a massive house.

The bloke is turning into a complete parody.

Does Davies take all his evidence of the state of the UK from edited reality TV documentaries? What's he going to be asking in parliament next?
-Has the Business Secretary being watching The Apprentice? If so we need to send all people in their 20s back to business school.
-Has the Education Secretary watched Geordie Shore? We should send everyone in Newcastle back to school.
-Has the Housing Minister been watching Grand Designs? We should be making everyone transform a cinema/shop/water tower into a massive house.
The bloke is turning into a complete parody.angry bradfordian

Benefits are too generous, why is there a big demand from migrants desperate to breach our borders? If not for benefits is to live on the streets? In my generation whilst at school I was told our benefits system is to help us temporarily when we are down on our luck. Note the word temporarily. Yet we have claimants from outside our borders with no contribution of taxes but claiming from the system. I have been in in continuous work since 1986 with only 5 months on benefits in between when I was made redundant. I am outraged at seeing the people on Benefits St taking my paid taxes for enjoying their life and no motivation to get out and work. This is an indication of normal life and to me it brings home paying taxes is for stupid people. Absolutely bonkers.

Benefits are too generous, why is there a big demand from migrants desperate to breach our borders? If not for benefits is to live on the streets? In my generation whilst at school I was told our benefits system is to help us temporarily when we are down on our luck. Note the word temporarily. Yet we have claimants from outside our borders with no contribution of taxes but claiming from the system. I have been in in continuous work since 1986 with only 5 months on benefits in between when I was made redundant. I am outraged at seeing the people on Benefits St taking my paid taxes for enjoying their life and no motivation to get out and work. This is an indication of normal life and to me it brings home paying taxes is for stupid people. Absolutely bonkers.webshow

Whilst agreeing programmes of this nature are slanted with an agenda, it is very clear for us all to see in everyday life there is the 'working class' and the 'class that won't work' .

The marginalised working class are the ones who suffer most as they are still topping up those who will not get off their backsides. The upper bracket may moan but they don't have much ground to, the bottom end ' the class 'that won't work' moan and they really have no grounds to but the true working class are stuffed every which way.

If you don't work and won't work then food stamps and heating tokens should be given, you won't starve or freeze but you shouldn't be taking it as a lifestyle choice .Top up credits to those on low wages is the way forward so they can at least have some form of relaxation after grafting if we are not going to pay a decent bottom line living wage. No way should any man or woman in this country be worse off by working and trying than those sat at home all day waiting for their mates and relatives to come on Jeremy Kyle.

And before anyone starts I am on over 27k P/A so get no benefits and never have.

Whilst agreeing programmes of this nature are slanted with an agenda, it is very clear for us all to see in everyday life there is the 'working class' and the 'class that won't work' .
The marginalised working class are the ones who suffer most as they are still topping up those who will not get off their backsides. The upper bracket may moan but they don't have much ground to, the bottom end ' the class 'that won't work' moan and they really have no grounds to but the true working class are stuffed every which way.
If you don't work and won't work then food stamps and heating tokens should be given, you won't starve or freeze but you shouldn't be taking it as a lifestyle choice .Top up credits to those on low wages is the way forward so they can at least have some form of relaxation after grafting if we are not going to pay a decent bottom line living wage. No way should any man or woman in this country be worse off by working and trying than those sat at home all day waiting for their mates and relatives to come on Jeremy Kyle.
And before anyone starts I am on over 27k P/A so get no benefits and never have.Prisoner Cell Block A

I agree that there are too many people who choose not working as a lifestyle choice, this really gets my back up but commenting on sensationalistic tv is just stupid. Benefits should be there for those who need them but they can not be a lifestyle choice, 3 months to find a job, and if it's low paid help with energy bills and maybe transport won't save millions but would make for a better society.

I agree that there are too many people who choose not working as a lifestyle choice, this really gets my back up but commenting on sensationalistic tv is just stupid. Benefits should be there for those who need them but they can not be a lifestyle choice, 3 months to find a job, and if it's low paid help with energy bills and maybe transport won't save millions but would make for a better society.monobrow man

Andy2010 wrote:
Amazing how many of them on this program comment and moan about the levels of benefit received as they sit there dragging on a cig or drinking a can of lager

Or have a dig at the non-claiming Romains struggling to pay for their living costs with no help or being treated as slaves. The guy who has never worked in his life but seen fit to be a smack head, alky, shoplifter calling them tramps.

Sensationalistic it may be but that took the proverbial.

[quote][p][bold]Andy2010[/bold] wrote:
Amazing how many of them on this program comment and moan about the levels of benefit received as they sit there dragging on a cig or drinking a can of lager[/p][/quote]Or have a dig at the non-claiming Romains struggling to pay for their living costs with no help or being treated as slaves. The guy who has never worked in his life but seen fit to be a smack head, alky, shoplifter calling them tramps.
Sensationalistic it may be but that took the proverbial.Prisoner Cell Block A

Saltaire Bantam wrote:
It is unusual for an MP to speak in the same way as how normal people speak. Most MP's are on a completely different planet and are totally disconnected from reality.

I would usually agree, but on this occasion he seems to be speaking like the "normal people" who sit at home watching a sensationalised "reality" documentary by a channel trying to maximise their advertising revenue and think they are watching the news.

His comments would have been more valid if he'd bothered to do some proper research rather than using a programme that the press have dismissed as being fundamentally flawed.
And I say that as someone who's fed up of funding people who are happy to remain on benefits. I just don't think Davies' comments are very helpful to the discussion.

[quote][p][bold]Saltaire Bantam[/bold] wrote:
It is unusual for an MP to speak in the same way as how normal people speak. Most MP's are on a completely different planet and are totally disconnected from reality.[/p][/quote]I would usually agree, but on this occasion he seems to be speaking like the "normal people" who sit at home watching a sensationalised "reality" documentary by a channel trying to maximise their advertising revenue and think they are watching the news.
His comments would have been more valid if he'd bothered to do some proper research rather than using a programme that the press have dismissed as being fundamentally flawed.
And I say that as someone who's fed up of funding people who are happy to remain on benefits. I just don't think Davies' comments are very helpful to the discussion.angry bradfordian

Interesting that when Davies legitimately has an opportunity to bang his usual favourite drum about soft sentencing he prefers to slur all benefit recipients.
Hope any of his constituents who are unemployed realise the contempt he feels for them.

Interesting that when Davies legitimately has an opportunity to bang his usual favourite drum about soft sentencing he prefers to slur all benefit recipients.
Hope any of his constituents who are unemployed realise the contempt he feels for them.allinittogether

allinittogether wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.

Poor?

These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?

Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is "poor" in comparison

[quote][p][bold]allinittogether[/bold] wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.[/p][/quote]Poor?
These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?
Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is "poor" in comparisonAndy2010

Davies v Galloway - I agree with Davies and I hope Galloway will lose the next election., and join his pals. They have to be actors or paid to make such a program It is reminiscent of PMQs and its yaa-boo politics.
If we get a Labour Governmrnt6 they too will have to tackle benefits - or perhaps we will go in the Hollande mode - GG has the right credentials.

Davies v Galloway - I agree with Davies and I hope Galloway will lose the next election., and join his pals. They have to be actors or paid to make such a program It is reminiscent of PMQs and its yaa-boo politics.
If we get a Labour Governmrnt6 they too will have to tackle benefits - or perhaps we will go in the Hollande mode - GG has the right credentials.BertSanders

Unfortunately, all the people that I have come across who are on benefits are certainly not struggling to make ends meet. The kids had Playstation 4 for Christmas, laptops, iphones. It is normal for them to have at least three takeaways a week. The majority have a big screen tv in the living room with all the accompaniments of Sky etc. You get absolutely fed up to the back teeth of people who get everything and give nothing back to society - except perhaps around 6 kids with different fathers. Time to make sure that benefits can only be claimed if you have first paid into the system. Ensure that child benefit is paid for the first two kids only - if you can afford more than two kids without it then go ahead. There should be active investigation into whether these people are making themselves available for work, if not, then benefits should be taken away or reduced, depending on circumstances. Until this country hardens itself to the long term and opportunistic scroungers, it will never recover. As regards the MPs, it really does not matter who is in power, different term, same amount of money being squandered on expenses etc., they only seem to grow a conscience when they are voted out and wish to have a go at the ones in power. Also, said it before and will say it again - National Service could do us a world of good. Gets the youngsters off the streets, stops them lazing about and getting pregnant for want of something to do and also, potentially, gives them a career, discipline (sadly lacking in most of households) and a trade.

Unfortunately, all the people that I have come across who are on benefits are certainly not struggling to make ends meet. The kids had Playstation 4 for Christmas, laptops, iphones. It is normal for them to have at least three takeaways a week. The majority have a big screen tv in the living room with all the accompaniments of Sky etc. You get absolutely fed up to the back teeth of people who get everything and give nothing back to society - except perhaps around 6 kids with different fathers. Time to make sure that benefits can only be claimed if you have first paid into the system. Ensure that child benefit is paid for the first two kids only - if you can afford more than two kids without it then go ahead. There should be active investigation into whether these people are making themselves available for work, if not, then benefits should be taken away or reduced, depending on circumstances. Until this country hardens itself to the long term and opportunistic scroungers, it will never recover. As regards the MPs, it really does not matter who is in power, different term, same amount of money being squandered on expenses etc., they only seem to grow a conscience when they are voted out and wish to have a go at the ones in power. Also, said it before and will say it again - National Service could do us a world of good. Gets the youngsters off the streets, stops them lazing about and getting pregnant for want of something to do and also, potentially, gives them a career, discipline (sadly lacking in most of households) and a trade.vikkifizz

An easy target, given on a plate for those who want to point a finger at someone, anyone, for while you all sit round moaning about 'benefit scroungers' you are getting ripped off blind by the power utilities, the banks and big business and every other rich pig that lavishes in wealth made on the back of decent hardworking people. Wake up will you! Yes there are some who take advantage of the welfare system but there are many many more who blatantly sidestep financial law, employment law and find any which way they can to rip you off left right and center and they get away with it because like sheep in a dip tank you just soak up the toxic scum you are being fed by the media.

Benefit fraud and benefit misuse is a tiny fraction of the wealth the rich and powerful fleece blatantly off you every second of every day. If you want to change something for the good, deal with that issue, out in the open and with a hangman's noose or a firing squad at the end for the thieves that cause untold misery to the majority of the people in this country and on this planet!

An easy target, given on a plate for those who want to point a finger at someone, anyone, for while you all sit round moaning about 'benefit scroungers' you are getting ripped off blind by the power utilities, the banks and big business and every other rich pig that lavishes in wealth made on the back of decent hardworking people. Wake up will you! Yes there are some who take advantage of the welfare system but there are many many more who blatantly sidestep financial law, employment law and find any which way they can to rip you off left right and center and they get away with it because like sheep in a dip tank you just soak up the toxic scum you are being fed by the media.
Benefit fraud and benefit misuse is a tiny fraction of the wealth the rich and powerful fleece blatantly off you every second of every day. If you want to change something for the good, deal with that issue, out in the open and with a hangman's noose or a firing squad at the end for the thieves that cause untold misery to the majority of the people in this country and on this planet!spinnekop

spinnekop wrote:
An easy target, given on a plate for those who want to point a finger at someone, anyone, for while you all sit round moaning about 'benefit scroungers' you are getting ripped off blind by the power utilities, the banks and big business and every other rich pig that lavishes in wealth made on the back of decent hardworking people. Wake up will you! Yes there are some who take advantage of the welfare system but there are many many more who blatantly sidestep financial law, employment law and find any which way they can to rip you off left right and center and they get away with it because like sheep in a dip tank you just soak up the toxic scum you are being fed by the media.

Benefit fraud and benefit misuse is a tiny fraction of the wealth the rich and powerful fleece blatantly off you every second of every day. If you want to change something for the good, deal with that issue, out in the open and with a hangman's noose or a firing squad at the end for the thieves that cause untold misery to the majority of the people in this country and on this planet!

How many people does these greedy companies employ?

How much tax is paid by these "fat cats"

How much tax on profits do these companies pay?

Well they employ hundreds of thousands. The top 1% of earner pay 30% of all income tax and these companies put in billions to the treasury

How much do the "scroungers" contribute again?

[quote][p][bold]spinnekop[/bold] wrote:
An easy target, given on a plate for those who want to point a finger at someone, anyone, for while you all sit round moaning about 'benefit scroungers' you are getting ripped off blind by the power utilities, the banks and big business and every other rich pig that lavishes in wealth made on the back of decent hardworking people. Wake up will you! Yes there are some who take advantage of the welfare system but there are many many more who blatantly sidestep financial law, employment law and find any which way they can to rip you off left right and center and they get away with it because like sheep in a dip tank you just soak up the toxic scum you are being fed by the media.
Benefit fraud and benefit misuse is a tiny fraction of the wealth the rich and powerful fleece blatantly off you every second of every day. If you want to change something for the good, deal with that issue, out in the open and with a hangman's noose or a firing squad at the end for the thieves that cause untold misery to the majority of the people in this country and on this planet![/p][/quote]How many people does these greedy companies employ?
How much tax is paid by these "fat cats"
How much tax on profits do these companies pay?
Well they employ hundreds of thousands. The top 1% of earner pay 30% of all income tax and these companies put in billions to the treasury
How much do the "scroungers" contribute again?Andy2010

allinittogether wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.

Poor?

These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?

Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is &quot;poor" in comparison

Cos they all looked so prosperous didn't they?

Of course it was shocking because they wouldn't have a programme otherwise but it doesn't reflect the attitude or lifestyle of the vast majority of benefit claimants.

[quote][p][bold]Andy2010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]allinittogether[/bold] wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.[/p][/quote]Poor?
These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?
Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is "poor" in comparison[/p][/quote]Cos they all looked so prosperous didn't they?
Of course it was shocking because they wouldn't have a programme otherwise but it doesn't reflect the attitude or lifestyle of the vast majority of benefit claimants.allinittogether

allinittogether wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.

Poor?

These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?

Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is &quot;poor" in comparison

Cos they all looked so prosperous didn't they?

Of course it was shocking because they wouldn't have a programme otherwise but it doesn't reflect the attitude or lifestyle of the vast majority of benefit claimants.

oh i agree every claimant isn't like that but there are thousands that are and its those that need clamping down on. At least the program highlighted the fact they are having cutbacks and rightly so

[quote][p][bold]allinittogether[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Andy2010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]allinittogether[/bold] wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.[/p][/quote]Poor?
These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?
Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is "poor" in comparison[/p][/quote]Cos they all looked so prosperous didn't they?
Of course it was shocking because they wouldn't have a programme otherwise but it doesn't reflect the attitude or lifestyle of the vast majority of benefit claimants.[/p][/quote]oh i agree every claimant isn't like that but there are thousands that are and its those that need clamping down on. At least the program highlighted the fact they are having cutbacks and rightly soAndy2010

allinittogether wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.

Poor?

These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?

Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is &quot;poor" in comparison

Cos they all looked so prosperous didn't they?

Of course it was shocking because they wouldn't have a programme otherwise but it doesn't reflect the attitude or lifestyle of the vast majority of benefit claimants.

oh i agree every claimant isn't like that but there are thousands that are and its those that need clamping down on. At least the program highlighted the fact they are having cutbacks and rightly so

'working class' or 'class that won't work'

Some fall into one category and should be lauded, the others fall into the less distinguished class and should be allowed to die in their own excrement.

[quote][p][bold]Andy2010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]allinittogether[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Andy2010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]allinittogether[/bold] wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.[/p][/quote]Poor?
These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?
Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is "poor" in comparison[/p][/quote]Cos they all looked so prosperous didn't they?
Of course it was shocking because they wouldn't have a programme otherwise but it doesn't reflect the attitude or lifestyle of the vast majority of benefit claimants.[/p][/quote]oh i agree every claimant isn't like that but there are thousands that are and its those that need clamping down on. At least the program highlighted the fact they are having cutbacks and rightly so[/p][/quote]'working class' or 'class that won't work'
Some fall into one category and should be lauded, the others fall into the less distinguished class and should be allowed to die in their own excrement.Prisoner Cell Block A

allinittogether wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.

Poor?

These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?

Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is &quot;poor" in comparison

Cos they all looked so prosperous didn't they?

Of course it was shocking because they wouldn't have a programme otherwise but it doesn't reflect the attitude or lifestyle of the vast majority of benefit claimants.

oh i agree every claimant isn't like that but there are thousands that are and its those that need clamping down on. At least the program highlighted the fact they are having cutbacks and rightly so

'working class' or 'class that won't work'

Some fall into one category and should be lauded, the others fall into the less distinguished class and should be allowed to die in their own excrement.

exactly....although would anyone notice

[quote][p][bold]Prisoner Cell Block A[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Andy2010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]allinittogether[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Andy2010[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]allinittogether[/bold] wrote:
Surprised it took him so long to jump on the bandwagon. Tory MP sticks the boot in on the poor; what a surprise.[/p][/quote]Poor?
These people featured in this street have their houses paid for and seem to enjoy sitting around in squalor drinking and smoking all day. Is that your definition of poor?
Even the residents of the slums in Mumbai keep their area cleaner than this scum and they dont receive any benefits.....sorry but no-one in the UK is "poor" in comparison[/p][/quote]Cos they all looked so prosperous didn't they?
Of course it was shocking because they wouldn't have a programme otherwise but it doesn't reflect the attitude or lifestyle of the vast majority of benefit claimants.[/p][/quote]oh i agree every claimant isn't like that but there are thousands that are and its those that need clamping down on. At least the program highlighted the fact they are having cutbacks and rightly so[/p][/quote]'working class' or 'class that won't work'
Some fall into one category and should be lauded, the others fall into the less distinguished class and should be allowed to die in their own excrement.[/p][/quote]exactly....although would anyone noticeAndy2010

This MP has got into the news again but he is a member of the Party that is in Govt., it is no good that he just complains about issues, he needs to actually do something rather than just promote his own image. Why do have local MP's if they are NOT able to make any changes to the current system of payments. WE can all complain about issues but Mr Davies needs to actually
DO SOMETHING if he does not agree paying these people !

This MP has got into the news again but he is a member of the Party that is in Govt., it is no good that he just complains about issues, he needs to actually do something rather than just promote his own image. Why do have local MP's if they are NOT able to make any changes to the current system of payments. WE can all complain about issues but Mr Davies needs to actually
DO SOMETHING if he does not agree paying these people !awasteoftime

awasteoftime wrote:
This MP has got into the news again but he is a member of the Party that is in Govt., it is no good that he just complains about issues, he needs to actually do something rather than just promote his own image. Why do have local MP's if they are NOT able to make any changes to the current system of payments. WE can all complain about issues but Mr Davies needs to actually
DO SOMETHING if he does not agree paying these people !

The only thing he has done since being elected is toe the party line! I still find it difficult to swallow that we pay his rent in the conservative club at Shipley for his office, he can hardly moan about others when he himself is claiming for every single possible expense at the expense of the tax payer.

[quote][p][bold]awasteoftime[/bold] wrote:
This MP has got into the news again but he is a member of the Party that is in Govt., it is no good that he just complains about issues, he needs to actually do something rather than just promote his own image. Why do have local MP's if they are NOT able to make any changes to the current system of payments. WE can all complain about issues but Mr Davies needs to actually
DO SOMETHING if he does not agree paying these people ![/p][/quote]The only thing he has done since being elected is toe the party line! I still find it difficult to swallow that we pay his rent in the conservative club at Shipley for his office, he can hardly moan about others when he himself is claiming for every single possible expense at the expense of the tax payer.freespeech

tinytoonster wrote:
every person on benefits as sky/virgin tv, large tv, xbox etc.
FACT!
some people i know get new games before i can afford them and i work!
time to bring back food stamps, etc.
make them spend it on what they should.
i see them in the post office withdrawing money then buying scratchcards and lottery, what a joke.

Programs like this are aimed at irritating gullible fools into spouting rubbish like this. Well done, you didn't just take the bait you jumped into the boat! You won't be the only one.

[quote][p][bold]tinytoonster[/bold] wrote:
every person on benefits as sky/virgin tv, large tv, xbox etc.
FACT!
some people i know get new games before i can afford them and i work!
time to bring back food stamps, etc.
make them spend it on what they should.
i see them in the post office withdrawing money then buying scratchcards and lottery, what a joke.[/p][/quote]Programs like this are aimed at irritating gullible fools into spouting rubbish like this. Well done, you didn't just take the bait you jumped into the boat! You won't be the only one.hx3bantam

Andy2010 wrote:
Surprised Rollie hasn't been on here blaming everyone but the scroungers

Go on then Andy just for you I'll comment with a question. As you know full well I and many like me are unable to work due to health problems. I paid my national insurance when I was working in order to give me some protection if the worst should happen and I could no longer work. Unfortunately I became ill. So tell me, how much financial distress should I have to deal with on top of the illness that isn't going away? When my doctor signed me onto the sick should I have requested a lethal injection so as not to upset the taxpayer who begrudge me the money that I payed my NI for? I sometimes wish the option to have it all ended was there as I was led to believe that I was living amongst human beings. How wrong could I be? The sad thing is that you sick barstuards think that driving people to a state of desperation where suicide is an attractive proposition is funny. I hope to do some serious damage to you and your ilk in the not too distant future.

[quote][p][bold]Andy2010[/bold] wrote:
Surprised Rollie hasn't been on here blaming everyone but the scroungers[/p][/quote]Go on then Andy just for you I'll comment with a question. As you know full well I and many like me are unable to work due to health problems. I paid my national insurance when I was working in order to give me some protection if the worst should happen and I could no longer work. Unfortunately I became ill. So tell me, how much financial distress should I have to deal with on top of the illness that isn't going away? When my doctor signed me onto the sick should I have requested a lethal injection so as not to upset the taxpayer who begrudge me the money that I payed my NI for? I sometimes wish the option to have it all ended was there as I was led to believe that I was living amongst human beings. How wrong could I be? The sad thing is that you sick barstuards think that driving people to a state of desperation where suicide is an attractive proposition is funny. I hope to do some serious damage to you and your ilk in the not too distant future.RollandSmoke

Tell you what Davies why don't you tell us all exactly what you have to do to get £10k in benefits from Bet Fredd and maybe we could all go down that route so as not to be such a burden on the taxpayer. Do you have to be a corrupt scumbag to get it? I look forward to bumping into you in Shipley one day.

Tell you what Davies why don't you tell us all exactly what you have to do to get £10k in benefits from Bet Fredd and maybe we could all go down that route so as not to be such a burden on the taxpayer. Do you have to be a corrupt scumbag to get it? I look forward to bumping into you in Shipley one day.RollandSmoke